Tartan

I cannot move my sandwich the way I want without my Machingers gloves on. Curves are one of the hardest to start with to keep them smooth. I started with designs that had spots where I could rest, with my needle in the down position, reposition my hands and sandwich and then move on. I then moved onto designs like tear drops that came to a point to rest before moving again. Try doing a daisy where you can rest when the petal loop comes back to the point you started. After doing 5 loops(teardrops) do a line over a bit and do another daisy.

Holice

There is a product available that is printed by Benartex. I believe it is Meandering Feather. It is printed on 108 inch fabric. It is printed In a wash out ink. It is available by the yard. It is a continuous line design. I find it useful in practicing.

Nammie to 7

You are progressing well - read all the advice here - it will help a lot - and like everyone says practice a lot. Good luck!

GingerK

I have not done a lot of FMQ, but the first couple of times, I took a vanishing ink pen and drew my line on my sandwich. It turned out that I didn't follow that line too much but just having it there, gave me courage. I also found that I am better starting at the lower left and working away from myself(bringing the fabric towards my lap). Otherwise I was concentrating too much on what was now behind the machine and mostly out of sight.

carolaug

Sam Alberts

Just jump in with two feet now! You have the idea make a baby quilt and get quilting by the time you finish quilting the baby quilt you will have mastered the design... then do it again and again! Your doing awesome, FMQ isn't perfect don't expect perfection.

quilttiger

In addition to practicing, consider taking a class or two in FMQ. You'll get great tips and techniques. I used to have a hard time doing feathers. Once I took a class in FMQ from this teacher who was just wonderful. She helped me overcome the fear of making feathers, and it is a joy now making feathers without having to mark them.

Scuddles

I think your getting it, it came out nice.

Lovequilting22

I think it looks good for your first attempt! Don't be too hard on yourself....I understand its a learned practice. I'm a visual learner so I'm going to steal your idea (LOL) of dating my attempts. Then perhaps I can see my progress. I have yet to try because it scares me a little but one day soon, I'll jump in! Keep on working at it. I believe you'll be a pro in no time!

deedum

My best tips.
Practice on felt, also use the stop button on the machine if you have one. This take care of the speed of the machine and all you have to concentrate on is your movement of your hands. Use a size 16 needle. Practice and breathe, think of think of some beautiful song that you love and hum it to yourself. then practice again. YOu will get it!